DMT Vapes – The Ultimate Guide

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Chemical Collective or any associated parties.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to journey beyond the veil of reality, encountering psychedelic landscapes and entities that defy explanation? Imagine finding a way to this realm at the mere push of a button. The most profound psychedelic experience known to man is now more accessible than ever. The latest in psychedelic technology, DMT vape pens, are experiencing a surge in popularity within the psychedelic underground.

DMT, or N-N-dimethyltryptamine, “The Spirit Molecule”, is a psychedelic renowned for its accessible 10-minute length, unbelievable visuals, and uniquely profound experiences. DMT vape pens are discreet, convenient, and portable, allowing users to experience the powerful effects of DMT without elaborate setups or specialized equipment.

Here’s everything you need to know about DMT vapes: how to use them properly, what they’re made of, and how they entered the culture.

A Friendly Warning

DMT is a Schedule 1 Drug in the United States and highly illegal in most other countries. Educate yourself on legal risks and local laws, and take steps to protect yourself. Experimenting with psychedelics can be dangerous. Avoid psychedelic use if you or a family member are diagnosed with schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, or personality disorders. Avoid DMT if you are actively suicidal.

Lithium and Tramadol are part of a list of contraindicated medications, do not consume.

Avoid consuming DMT while under the influence of cannabis or stimulants, which can exacerbate harmful side effects.

In rare cases, psychedelic use can cause long-term side effects to the body and brain, permanently impacting mental function. Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder(HPPD), schizophrenia, and psychosis can all be triggered from psychedelic use. Long-term psychedelic side effects are most common with large doses, frequent use, and in adolescent users.

“The Spirit Molecule” - History and Effects of DMT

History

The earliest evidence of DMT use was approximately 4000 years ago, evidenced in smoking pipes and Anadenanthera seeds found in Northwest Argentina. This is the earliest evidence of psychoactive plant use in South America.
DMT was still mostly unheard of throughout the 20th century, until psychedelic researcher Stephen Szara dosed himself with the drug in 1956 . After reading a study on cohoba snuff used by South American tribes, he had a hunch that DMT was the active compound and Szara synthesized a batch. In April 1956, he tested three doses via intramuscular injection.Here is an excerpt of a description he wrote of his experience:

Within three minutes the symptoms started, both the autonomic (tingling, trembling, slight nausea, increased blood pressure and pulse rate) and the perceptual symptoms, such as brilliantly coloured oriental motifs and, later, wonderful scenes altering very rapidly. I remember feeling intense euphoria at the higher dose levels that I attributed to the excitement of the realization that I, indeed, had discovered a new hallucinogen…

Largely thanks to Timothy Leary’s experiments with the drug, DMT entered the public consciousness during the 1960s. In 1966, Leary published the paper “Programmed Communication During Experiences with DMT”, detailing DMT experiences from Alan Watts, psychologists, and his own experiments. A few years later, DMT was criminalized in the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, putting an end to psychedelic research and slowing the spread of DMT underground.

However, DMT remained a niche, mostly-unknown psychedelic until experimenter and psychedelic advocate, Terence McKenna, began highlighting the drug in books and public lectures throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. He waxed poetically about DMT, and this is reflected in his notes, as seen here:

Reality is swapped out for something else. And when you try to say what it is, you realize that language has evolved in this world and it can serve no other. What you’re looking at is literally the unspeakable. The indescribable falls into your lap. You try to explain to yourself what’s happening, and this is like you try to pour water over the transdimensional objects in front of you, the water of language, and it just beads up and flows off like water off a duck’s back. You cannot say what is there.

Psychedelic researcher Rick Strassman, who published a dose-response study in 1994, revived scientific interest in DMT. This research triggered a renewed interest in psychedelic research and altered Strassman’s own metaphysical beliefs.

Today, DMT is more popular than ever before, revered by psychonauts and psychedelic researchers alike. DMT pens began popping up in the black market about 10 years ago, driven by the proliferation of legal weed and widespread use of cannabis extract cartridges.

Where does DMT come from?

Dennis Mckenna:

DMT is extremely common in nature…I say nature is drenched in DMT. From the animal level to the plant level to fungi level, you find these things everywhere.

DMT is present in a large variety of plants, many fungi, and even some animals, across the world. It is commonly extracted from two types of root bark, Mimosa hostilis and Acacia confusa. The primary difference is that Acacia contains more plant fats, leading to more impurities.

DMT is also synthesized, though less common since DMT-containing barks are readily available and the synthesis process requires more steps, chemical knowledge, and ingredients. The synthesis process takes a day to a couple of days, but requires patience and complete following of protocol.

In addition to n,n DMT, which is primarily found in plants, there is also 5-MeO-DMT, found in the venom secretions of the Sonoran Desert Toad.

These are completely different drugs with separate dose ranges, safety profiles, and effects. 5-MeO-DMT has a much slimmer safe dose range, making vape pens less favourable as the dose can’t be properly measured. For more information on the specific risks of 5-MeO-DMT, click here.

Pharmacology

DMT works in the same way as other classic psychedelics — because of a similar shape to serotonin, it “locks” in receptors and forces the brain to reroute normal brain traffic, known as the Default Mode Network. The Default Mode Network (DMN) is our regular, everyday neuronal functioning. 

DMT is unique because the human body can process it incredibly fast — that’s why it only lasts ten minutes. Ancient humans circumvented this problem by combining DMT-containing plants with Ayahuasca vine, which contains a Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), slowing the body’s  processing of DMT.
DMT effects begin within 30 seconds, the peak occurs at 5 minutes, and the comedown starts at 10 minutes, with no effects 15-20 minutes after dosing. Tolerance resets in roughly one hour, quicker than any other psychedelic.

What is a DMT Pen?

DMT cartridges, also known as carts, are the same devices used in dab pens (cannabis extract vapes). The difference between the DMT carts and pens is that the carts are a component of the pens. DMT pens contain a battery, atomizer, tank, and mouthpiece. The industry standard is a 510 threaded cart, sold at head shops and dispensaries, a popular choice due to their ubiquity.

The key differences in a vape pen performance is the atomizer and battery. A battery that can change voltage levels is essential for DMT. The atomizer housing and coil type are especially important when vaping DMT, as DMT vaporizes and burns at a lower temperature than cannabis extract. If possible, purchase a vape with a ceramic atomizer housing to better control the temperature, reducing the chance of burning DMT.

The liquid inside is Propylene Glycol(PG) or a blend of PG and Vegetable Glycerin(VG). DMT is dissolved into the PG/VG at a standard ratio of 1:1. Higher ratios of DMT are preferred, but lead to more issues with clogging and DMT crystallization. As a buyer’s note, most black market DMT pens are underdosed and contain less DMT than advertised.

Buyer’s Guide to DMT Cartridges

DMT cartridges are an entirely unregulated product. As such, you can never be sure of the potency, quality, or ingredients used without a gas chromatography machine on standby. Despite this, here is what you should look for when you’re buying a cartridge:

1. Color

DMT carts should be clear to light amber/golden in color. Yellow, orange, or red cartridges indicate impure DMT with a high concentration of plant fats or byproducts from extraction. These plant fats can not only alter the experience by introducing unwanted effects but also pose safety risks, including respiratory issues or toxic reactions. Avoid these cartridges if possible and never consume a red, brown, or black cartridge — it may contain lye, used in extraction and toxic to the lungs.

1. Cartridge

Do not purchase DMT cartridges with a plastic tank. DMT reacts with plastic, resulting in lost potency and microplastics leaching into your vape cartridge. If you have the option, ceramic cells are superior to metal cells, which have been found to contain heavy metals.

1. Liquid or the “Juice”

The liquid inside should flow from end to end when flipped. The speed at which it moves can vary depending on the carrier solution and DMT concentration. If the cart has no air bubble movement, it could contain Vitamin E Acetate instead of PG/VG. Do not consume. Carts with visible DMT signal higher potency but can cause more problems during use.

1. Flavour

Flavoured carts typically indicate an inferior product — avoid them. Some flavourings in vape juice and cannabis cartridges have established respiratory toxicity. The vape should taste plastic and synthetic, like new toys, shoes, or mothballs. The vapor should coat your mouth and be slightly sweet – similar to nicotine vapes. If the cart tastes caustic, burnt, rancid, or hurts your throat or lungs, stop vaping immediately.

1. DMT

Any seller worth their salt should know the potency of the vape. One-to-one mixes are most common. Test your carts with the Ehrlich Reagent which turns purple reacting with DMT. PG/VG will not react. Some people prefer yellow/orange DMT which contains plant fats and other trace compounds. Adding this type of DMT to a cart will lead to more impurities, which will cause crystallization and clogging issues.

Making Your Own Cartridge

Making your own DMT cartridge is surprisingly easy. All you need is an empty cartridge, DMT, and propylene glycol. Heat your propylene glycol in a small glass container over hot water, then add DMT and stir to dissolve. The ratio is up to your discretion, with most underground users preferring the highest concentration of DMT that can stay in solution without crystallizing.

After your liquid is mixed, carefully pour it into your cartridge and screw the mouthpiece back on. Congratulations, you just made a DMT vape cart.

Using Your Cart Like a Professional

DMT vaporizes at a lower temperature than many other substances, making proper preparation essential for a safe and optimal experience. Unlike cannabis extracts, DMT is less forgiving, and burning it in your atomizer can permanently affect future efficiency and vapor quality. To ensure smooth, potent hits without damaging your equipment, it’s crucial to monitor your device’s temperature settings closely.

Here are some tips to keep your DMT cart functioning without problems:

1. Start with a fully charged 510 threaded battery with variable voltage. 2.7 volts is best, anything above 3 volts will likely burn your cart.
2. If your cart is clogged or contains crystallized DMT, do not use the preheat function on your battery. Instead, place the cart in a plastic bag and submerge in hot water for 10 minutes. Give it a few shakes to dissolve the DMT, and it’s ready to use again.
3. Store the cart away from heat and light, with the battery disconnected and the silicone ends that came with it attached. Keep it in a dry, airtight container. DMT carts are prone to leakage because PG/VG is less viscous than cannabis extract. DMT will degrade over time, but lasts indefinitely at cool temperatures away from light.
4. When you go to vape, don’t just hold the button. This floods the coil, making burning material more likely. As you take a large inhale, push your button for 1-1.5 seconds every three seconds. Cycle the button instead of holding it. Different batteries/carts will have variations, the goal is to press only as long as needed, and not a moment longer.

Cutting Edge Psychedelic Technology: Additional Considerations on DMT Pens

DMT Pens have made DMT more accessible than ever before. Despite their ease of use, it’s important to remember that DMT is an incredibly potent psychedelic, and can have profound impacts even after a single use.

Here are some tips to stay safe and have a rewarding experience when experimenting with DMT:

General DMT tips

Just like other psychedelics, optimize your set(mindset) and setting(where you trip) before smoking DMT. Even though a DMT breakthrough only lasts ten minutes, the intensity of the experience calls for additional prep. Here are some general tips for DMT experiences.

1. Go to the bathroom before you begin. As your ego fades away, you may feel like you lose control of your bladder or bowels. Visiting the bathroom first eliminates this worry.
2. Make your setting as comfortable as possible. For breakthrough experiences, most people prefer an indoor room that is darkened. Have lots of pillows around you, and be in a position in which you can lay down easily. A blanket over the top of your body is comforting and can help negate come-up anxiety. Some people prefer to take DMT in nature — if you decide to do so, make sure you are in a location that you won’t be disturbed and prepare your setting to be as physically comfortable as possible.
3. I strongly recommend entering into DMT with a sober mind. Drugs like stimulants, cannabis, and alcohol will make the experience more confusing and harder to integrate. Users have reported that some entities become angry or hostile when you enter hyperspace under the influence of other drugs. With that said, some users like combining DMT with other psychedelics, dissacociatives, or empathogens like MDMA. See this drug combination chart for information on safe combinations.
4. Start with a low dose and work your way up to a breakthrough. Breaking through is not a race, and allowing yourself to adjust to DMT effects at a gradual pace makes breakthroughs easier to handle mentally. Letting go of your ego and entering a new, “more real-than-real” world isn’t for the faint of heart and takes practice to accomplish successfully.
5. Fear is a normal experience on DMT. Personally, I always have some fear and anxiety when I first start inhaling. Don’t allow yourself to be overtaken by this anxiety– lean into it. Remember that no one has ever died from a DMT overdose, and know that what you are doing is a courageous act. Once you enter the DMT space, the fear melts away. Despite being more alien than anything you have ever seen, it feels familiar, and entities welcome you back like a long-lost friend.

Common Questions

How many hits from a pen does it take to breakthrough?

The number of hits needed for a breakthrough is dependent on the potency of your vape, length of hit, and how long you hold the vapor in your lungs. Not all cartridges are made equally, and most black market DMT vapes can be near-impossible to breakthrough on.
Some users can do it in a single hit, while others will take 10 or more hits. The best practice for breaking through is taking the largest hit possible without coughing, holding it as long as possible, then releasing it and taking another hit. Do this until the DMT pen itself becomes an alien concept.

Will I see entities like Machine Elves when I smoke DMT?

It depends. Entity sightings are more common on DMT than any other psychedelic, but the type of entity can vary massively, depending on the personal psyche. It’s best to imagine DMT as an archetypal carnival, with the possibility of encountering entities from any culture, religion, or myth.

Is DMT toxic, and does it cause brain damage?

DMT is nontoxic, and there is some evidence DMT is produced in the human body. DMT causes no long-term physical side effects. It does not cause brain damage, on the contrary, it promotes neurogenesis, or the growth of new neurons.

The Unique Risks of DMT

DMT is uniquely dangerous because of two attributes – its short length, and reality-breaking effect. In a Johns Hopkins study, 50% of atheists began believing in God after the experience. DMT shifts metaphysical beliefs with shocking speed. If you are someone that holds on tightly to your understanding of reality, DMT can be a rude awakening with long-term impacts – for better or worse.

No one has ever died of a DMT overdose, and the compound is not physically addicting. The 10-minute length and feeling of “traveling to another reality” make it surprisingly popular as a drug for escapism. Numerous forum threads detail weeks-long or months-long abuse leading users into grandiose delusions, depersonalisation, derealization, and psychotic beliefs. One widely publicized example is the Reddit user Chris Cantelmo, a Yale grad who created his own religion and gave away thousands of dollars before committing suicide two years later.

If you are a psychonaut with tendencies toward escapism, put safeguards in place before experimenting with DMT. This might include setting clear intentions for your journey, having a trusted trip sitter present to provide support, and gradually working up to breakthrough-level doses. Taking these steps can help you navigate the experience more effectively and reduce potential negative outcomes.

Conclusion

DMT vape pens combine an ancient psychedelic and modern technology into an easy-to-use package. They place one of the most powerful psychedelics into the hands of psychedelic newcomers and veteran psychonauts alike. If used properly, they are one of the best methods to dip your toes into hyperspace. Their accessibility is both a blessing and a curse — DMT can have lifelong impacts, both positive and negative. Take precautions before use, don’t use it for escapism, and you may be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.

Taylor Graham | Community Blogger at Chemical Collective

Taylor is one of our community bloggers here at Chemical Collective. If you’re interested in joining our blogging team and getting paid to write about subjects you’re passionate about, please reach out to David via email at blog@chemical-collective.com